4. “Blue Door”: Tanya Barfield’s well-crafted story centers on a black math professor whose life is unraveling. His wife leaves him because he refuses to attend the Million Man March, and shortly thereafter, he is forced to go on sabbatical. As he struggles to deal with both personal and professional crises, he is visited by the ghosts of his ancestors, who reveal their stories of history and survival, challenging Lewis to understand his culture and identity.

Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Sunday

Info: 202-399-7993, atlasarts.org

5. “The Illusion”: A remorseful father searches for his wayward son in Tony Kushner’s adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s story that blends fantasy and reality with comedy. Where: Clarice Smith Performing  Arts Center at Maryland, University of Maryland, University Boulevard and Stadium Drive, College Park When: 7:30 p.m. April 30, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Info: $25; 301-405-2787, claricesmithcenter.umd.edu

Family

1. Welcome Back Hummingbirds!: The whole family will enjoy learning about these extraordinary flyers through hands-on activities and games. Each family will make a hummingbird feeder to provide a welcome feast for these tiny jewels as they migrate back to our area.

Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington

When: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Info: $10 per family; 703-228-3403; registration required: 703-228-4747; program #632402F.

2. Long Branch Overnight: Don’t delay, because this program fills up fast. Spend the night at Long Branch Nature Center and find out what happens there after dark. There will be a campfire, stories, a night hike and visits to nocturnal neighbors. Participants should bring a sleeping bag or bedroll.

Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington

When: 7:30 p.m. May 8 to 9 a.m. May 9

Info: 703-228-6535; $25; registration required: 703-228-4747; program #632502K

3. Feeding Frenzy: Create an afternoon picnic for the animals that live at the nature center.

Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington

When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. May 6

Info: $1; Registration required: 703-228-4747; program #632502S

4. Look Up — Sky Watching: Gain a new appreciation of the heavens, beyond the basics of clouds. Learn about rainbows, halos, sundogs, crepuscular rays and other atmospheric phenomena and how to start a sky-watching journal.

Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington

When: 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Sunday

Info: $5 per family; registration required: 703-228-4747; program #632402H

5. Wild Virginia Campfire: Enjoy old-fashioned fun around the Gulf Branch fire ring. You’ll find stories, invited animal guests, games, songs and s’mores.

Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington

When: 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Friday

Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program #632502BB

Galleries

1. “Directions: Walead Beshty”: Los Angeles’s Walead Beshty updates century-old, cameraless photographic processes pioneered by Man Ray to create mesmerizing patterns of light and color on folded photographic paper.

Where: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW

When: Through Sept. 12

Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu

2. “Early Moderns”: These 11 seminal specimens of Modern painting — donated by the nephew of museum founder Duncan Phillips — include Kenneth Noland’s “Cycle,” along with worthy contributions from Helen Frankenthaler, Bill Jensen and Richard Diebenkorn.

Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW

When: Through Sept. 6

Info: Tuesday-Friday: Donations accepted; Saturday-Sunday: $12 / $10 students and seniors 62+ / free for 18 and under; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org

3.  “Entre el Dios, el Diablo”: Corcoran-trained provocateur Isaac Maiselman takes aim at the appropriation of religion for political ends in his new video installation.

Where: Conner Contemporary Art, 1358-60 Florida Ave. NE

When: Through May 23

Info: Free; 202-588-8750; connercontemporary.com

4. “Bethesda Green”: Collage artist Beata Drozd, painter Mike Fitts, and photographer Huguette Roe show off works made from recycled physical materials, but not recycled ideas.

Where: Frasher Gallery, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, Bethesda

When: Through May 30

Info: Free; 301-718-9651; thefrasergallery.com

5. “Freer & Whistler: Points of Contact”: This two-room show of 23 James McNeill Whistler oil paintings has been culled from the 1,300 Whistler works in the Freer’s permanent collection to illustrate the artist’s lasting influence on founder Charles Lang Freer.  His gallery’s union of Asian and Western artistic traditions honors and carries on Whistler’s own aesthetic sensibility.

Where: Freer Gallery, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW

When: Ongoing

Info: Free; 202-633-4880; asia.si.edu

Gatherings

1. Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart and Fair: The 70th annual fair offers a lot more than plants; it has rare books, antiques, arts and crafts, food (lobster rolls are a tradition), tower climbs, floral displays, kids’ activities, music and entertainment.

Where: Washington National Cathedral, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW

When: 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Info: Free; 202-537-6200; cathedral.org

2. Ludwig Semerjian, fortepiano: This Canadian pianist has been praised for his penetrating and highly original interpretations of 18th- and 19th-century music on period and modern instruments.

Where: Coolidge Auditorium, ground floor, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Info: Reservations required; 202-573-7328; ticketmaster.com, loc.gov

3. Cinco de Mayo Festival: Enjoy a full day of Latin music, culture and food on the National Mall at the 17th annual festival.

Where:  Sylvan Theater, 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

Info: Free; 202-315-1313

4. Ewha Korean Music Orchestra: Celebrate Asian/Pacific-American Heritage Month with this ensemble from Ewha Women’s University playing traditional Asian and modern Western music. 

Where: Millennium Theatre, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Info: Free; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org

5. Your World Moves: Dance at the Atlas: A mix of genres, including hip-hop, aerial and contemporary.

Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE

When: 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday

Info: $18-$25; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org

Movies

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Kitsch, Will.i.am, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan, Daniel Henney, Lynn Collins

Director: Gavin Hood

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and some partial nudity.

Running Time: 107 minutes

Logan/Wolverine is a mutant with regenerative powers, three claws on each hand and a skeleton, all laced with the rare metal known as adamantium. He struggles to find the secrets to his past. After learning little information through the help of Charles Xavier, Logan takes his search even further by learning the full truth of his origin, while also heading in a bold new direction. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe

“Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”

While at his younger brother’s wedding, Colin Mead (Matthew McConaughey), a cold and callous bachelor, is visited by the ghosts of his past girlfriends. Together, they will discover what turned Connor into such a shameless player and whether he has a second chance to find — and this time, keep — the love of his life.

“Is Anybody There?”

Set in 1980s seaside England, this is the story of Edward, an unusual 10-year-old boy growing up in an old people’s home run by his parents. While his mother struggles to keep the family business afloat and his father copes with the onset of mid-life crisis, Edward is busy tape-recording the elderly residents to try and discover what happens when they die.

“Sugar”

Sugar follows the story of Miguel Santos, aka Sugar, a Dominican pitcher from San Pedro De Macorís, struggling to make it to the big leagues and pull himself and his family out of poverty. Playing professionally at a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, Miguel finally gets his break at age 19 when he advances to the United States’ minor league system. But when his play on the mound falters, he begins to question the single-mindedness of his life’s ambition.

“12”

The story of 12 jurors discussing a verdict to pass on an 18-year-old Chechen boy whether he is guilty of the first-degree murder of his stepfather, an officer of the Russian army. The film is discusses aloud about today’s life, about the need to hear the next of kin and help that person before its too late. The action of the picture unveils in one room — a gym adjusted for jury deliberations.

“Battle for Terra”

A peaceful alien planet faces annihilation, as the homeless remainder of the human race sets its eyes on Terra. Mala, a rebellious Terrian teenager, will do everything she can to stop it.

“Lemon Tree”

A Palestinian widow must defend her lemon orchard when a new Israeli Defense Minister moves in next to her and threatens to have her lemon grove torn down.

Music

1. Placido Domingo sings: “From My Latin Soul”: A rare evening featuring Washington National Opera’s multiple Grammy Award-winning general director singing his favorite tango, ranchera and zarzuela numbers with guests telenova superstar Lucero and soprano Virginia Tola, the WNO Orchestra and full mariachi band conducted by Alondra de la Parra.

Where: DAR Constitution Hall

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Info: $45 to $200; 202-295-2400; www.dc-opera.org

2. Washington Concert Opera presents Stephanie Blythe and Nathalie Paulin: The Metropolitan Opera stars glisten in an evening of favorite arias conducted by Antony Walker with the WCO orchestra.

Where: Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University

When: 6 p.m. Sunday

Info: $30 to $90; 202-364-5826; [email protected]

3. National Symphony Orchestra: Helmuth Rilling conducts the University of Maryland Concert Choir and guest soloists in Haydn’s “The Creation.”

Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Info: $20 to $80; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org

4. Washington National Opera: Wagner’s “Siegfried” starring Par Lindskog, Alan Held and Irene Theorin.

Where: Kennedy Center Opera House

When: Opens Friday

Info: $50 to $300; 202-295-2400; dc-opera.org

5. Louis Lortie: WPAS presents the Canadian pianist in an all-Chopin program.

Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall

When: 4 p.m. Sunday

Info: $42 to $77; 202-785-9727

Also worth noting:

6. Eclipse Chamber Orchestra: Sylvia Alimena conducts the season finale of works by Ludwig Spohr, Elliot Carter and Johannes Brahms.

Where: George Washington Masonic National Memorial

When: 3 p.m. Sunday

Info: $25 general, $20 senior, $5 student; 703-635-2770

Outdoors

1. Virginia’s Gold Cup: The annual steeplechase has become one of the year’s key social events, a sort of Ascot or Epsom Downs for Washington’s 20- and 30-something set. This will be the 84th running of the Virginia Gold Cup. Ticket proceeds go to charity.

Where: Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, Va.

When: Saturday

Info: 540-347-2612; vagoldcup.com

2. Springtime horseback trail riding and catered BBQ picnic: Leave modern development and traffic behind and travel back to the days of the Colonies through the unspoiled hills of Patapsco Valley State Park. The horse trails meander through 8,000 acres of picturesque parkland and along flowing streams.

Where: Misty Manor Riding Stables 

When: 2 to 4:30 p.m. May 2

Info: $55; thingstododc.com; see “Outdoors”

3. Dog tag adventures: Register now to involve yourself and your canine buddy in some fun events, like Bark in the Park, Strut Your Mutt and Yappy Hour.

Where: Various venues

When: Various dates and times (check Web site)

Info: 410-241-0692; dogtagadventures.com

4. Trillium trek: Travel to Linden, Va., to see one of the largest great white trillium displays in the world. See rare wildflowers and trees — including native orchids — and a variety of wildlife. Somewhat rocky two-mile trail. Dress for hiking and bring water and a bag lunch to eat on the trail.

Where: Meet at Lubber Run Recreation Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington, or be picked up from Ballston Metro Station with advance request.

When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Info: $25 fee due on registration. Information: 703-228-6535; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program #632504D.  

5. Bird walk: Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn parks in search of resident and migratory birds.

Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington

When: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. May 6

Info: Free; registration necessary: 703-228-4747

Theater

1. “Giant”: Michael John LaChiusa’s musical adaptation of the American classic by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edna Ferber, “Giant” is a sweeping production of epic proportions, full of passion, humor and sorrow. The story of a Texas rancher and his Virginia-born wife, “Giant” outlines the challenges the couple face in their new marriage as they settle in to the changing landscape of Texas, full of violence and racism. LaChiusa is the first recipient of the American Musical Voices Project award.

Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington

When: 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, 1 and 7 p.m. most Sundays; check Web site for details.

Info: $49 to $77; 703-820-9771, signature-theatre.org

2. “The Dinner Party”: This event provides a special menu of dances and performance. Creating a buzz in the underground scene while in residence at D.C.’s The Warehouse, “The Dinner Party” is an always eclectic group of surprising performances by dancers, musicians and actors. It has the feel of an arts salon, without the fine linen or finger sandwiches.

Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE

When: 8 tonight

Info: $15; 202-386-2733, atlasarts.org

3. “Courage”: dog & pony dc presents a workshop production of what they call “a political theatre revival.” Drawing on Brecht’s “Mother Courage,” this show follows the story of a shrewd business woman and mother of three over the course of her war-profiteering career.

Where: Chief Ike’s Mambo Room, 1725 Columbia Road NW, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE 

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Chief Ike’s) and May 8 and 9 (CHAW)

Info: Pay what you can; dogandponydc.com

4. “Rock ‘n’ Roll”: Tom Stoppard’s sophisticated and humorous exploration of a British academic and a Czech dissident across 20 years of politics and rock ‘n’ roll.

Where: The Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW

When: 8 p.m. weekdays through Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Sunday; through May 31; see Web site for details

Info: $45 to $61; 202-332-3300, studiotheatre.org

5. “Heroes”: Set in 1959, “Heroes,” follows three World War I soldiers in a Parisian veterans home who pass the time with tales that are at once funny and sad. Gerald Sibleyras’ play is translated by Tom Stoppard, with his recognizable wit and brilliant language.

Where: MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria

When: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday; through May 24.

Info: $40 to $45; 703-548-9044, metrostage.org

— Compiled by Emily Cary, Chris Klimek and Barbara Mackay